Private Health Insurance
The United Kingdom has a public health system which aims to provide free healthcare for all UK residents: the National Health Service. The NHS aims to care for everyone, but as a result its resources are often stretched; you may face long waiting lists if you need an operation, or even an appointment with a specialist. Many people are choosing to purchase private health insurance to avoid treatment delays and guarantee certain comforts such as a private hospital room.
You may never need private health insurance: many people are treated free-of-charge by the NHS and do not experience any problems with the system. However, the same could be said of many types of insurance: ideally you would never want to make a claim on your home, car or health insurance. Nevertheless, insurance can offer peace of mind to policyholders who are reassured knowing that in the event of a serious illness they are entitled to prompt treatment and service perks.
Private health insurance does cost money, and is not compulsory: some people consider it to be an unnecessary expense, whilst others feel that they cannot afford to purchase a private healthcare policy. Some patients believe that private health insurance is an elitist advantage, undermining the aim of the NHS to provide free healthcare to all. The private health service and the NHS in fact work in close collaboration; the majority of patients will not need to make a claim on their private health insurance for small complaints.
As private medical insurance becomes more popular, insurance companies are constantly developing new premiums at cheaper prices. Private health insurance is becoming an affordable option for all: basic cover policies are available now for as little as twelve pounds a month.
Major private health insurers in the UK include: Bupa, AXA PPP Healthcare, Norwich Union, Standard Life, Freedom Healthnet, HSA, and General & Medical. There are many more insurance providers operating in the UK however, and most banks and building societies now offer cover.
For more details of private health insurance, see:
